Nulo vs Orijen
Nulo against Orijen, measured across 61 and 12 kibble recipes: 33.6% vs 44.0% protein on a dry matter basis, 33% vs 19% starch, and 0 vs 0 FDA recalls in the last five years.
How They Differ
- Orijen runs higher in protein: 44.0% against 33.6% on a dry matter basis, averaged across the kibble we review from each.
- Orijen is lower in starch, about 19% of the food as fed against 33%.
- Orijen is more calorie dense, 459 kcal per cup on average against 419, so its portions run smaller for the same dog.
- Orijen leans grain-free: 92% of its kibble recipes against 59%.
Side by Side
| Measure | Nulo | Orijen | Average kibble |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kibble recipes compared | 61 | 12 | 1,540 in total |
| Protein, dry matter | 33.6%30.0% to 38.9% | 44.0%43.2% to 47.7% | 30.4% |
| Fat, dry matter | 17.5%7.8% to 20.0% | 19.6%14.8% to 22.7% | 16.0% |
| Starch, as fedEstimated, not measured. It is what is left of the guaranteed analysis once protein, fat, fiber and moisture are taken out, with ash assumed at 6%. That leftover is mostly starch but also carries sugars and the fiber a crude-fiber test misses, so read it as a close estimate rather than an exact figure. Measured as fed, the same basis as the bag. | 33%27% to 41% | 19%11% to 22% | 37% |
| Calories per cup | 419339 to 449 | 459401 to 494 | 398 |
| Meat, fish or egg listed first | 100% | 92% | |
| Grain-free recipes | 59% | 92% | |
| Most used proteins | Turkey 82%, Fish 66%, Chicken 62% | Fish 100%, Chicken 58%, Turkey 58% | |
| Recipes with corn, wheat, soy | Corn 0%, Wheat 8%, Soy 0% | Corn 0%, Wheat 0%, Soy 0% | |
| By-products | 0% | 0% | |
| FDA recalls, last 5 years | None | None | |
| Made by | Privately held | Champion Petfoods |
Brand figures are averages over every kibble recipe we review from that brand, with the lowest and highest recipe underneath. Freeze-dried, frozen, wet food and toppers are left out so the numbers compare like with like, and so are prescription diets, which are fed for a medical condition on a vet's advice. Protein and fat are on a dry matter basis, starch and calories as fed.
The Closest Matching Recipes
Brand averages hide the recipe you would actually buy. These are the pairs that come closest on protein, fat and starch, preferring recipes built on the same main protein, which is where a like-for-like choice gets made.
Nulo Challenger Organic Ancient Grains Haddock, Salmon & Acadian Redfish Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein 39%
Fat 20%
Starch 27%
Orijen Amazing Grains, Regional Red Dry Dog Food
Protein 43%
Fat 21%
Starch 22%
Compare these two in full
Which Fits Your Dog
- For an active or working dog, or one that needs to hold muscle, Orijen puts more protein in each bowl.
- For a dog that gains weight easily, Nulo is less calorie dense, so a normal-looking portion carries fewer calories.
- If you are cutting back on starch, Orijen starts lower.
- If your vet has suggested a grain-inclusive diet, Nulo has more of those recipes to choose from.
Recall History
FDA recall notices from the last five years that name the brand or its maker. Older notices sit in each brand's archive below: still on the record, but not counted, since a recall that old says more about how a company used to run than how it runs now.
Nulo
No FDA recalls for Nulo in the last five years.
Orijen
No FDA recalls for Orijen in the last five years.
About the Brands
Nulo
Nulo is an Austin, Texas pet food company founded and led by CEO Michael Landa. It sells dry, wet, freeze-dried and cold-pressed foods for dogs and cats. The company says its recipes are high in animal protein, low in carbohydrates and include a patented probiotic.
Based in Austin, Texas, since 2009. Every Nulo food we review
Orijen
Orijen is a premium dog and cat food brand made by Champion Petfoods, which also makes Acana. The brand is known for high-protein recipes, and the company says its foods are built around WholePrey ingredients such as meat, organs and bone.
Based in Edmonton, Alberta, since 2005. Every Orijen food we review
More Brand Comparisons
How we compare: every figure comes from the guaranteed analysis and ingredient list of recipes we review, not from the brands' own claims. Starch is our estimate, since no manufacturer prints it. Figures refreshed September 29, 2026.